6 Places to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Orange County

From festivals to fireworks and more, see our list of six top places to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Orange County.

By Laura Okey

Fairhaven Memorial Park’s Annual Memorial Day ServiceMay 30. Honor our heroes as more than 3,500 people gather to listen to inspirational speeches from veterans, among many other activities. See an aerial flyover of World War II-era planes and enjoy live music afterwards. Complimentary hot dogs and refreshments will be served. 10:30 a.m. Free. Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 E. Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana. dignitymemorial.com

Lobsterfest Memorial Weekend May 27-29. What better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend than with lobster and champagne? SeaLegs Wine Bar, also celebrating its four-year anniversary, invites you to enjoy $4 beers and champagne all weekend. Indulge on lobster of many varieties including Maine lobster roll sliders, lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque and more. 21022 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.536.5700. sealegswinebar.com

Newport Beach Wine FestivalMay 27-29. Sip your way through Memorial Day weekend at the 13th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Balboa Bay Resort with multiple events each day. This beautiful waterfront setting is ideal for sipping fine wines, savoring delicious entrees, tasting craft beers and more. Learn how to cook a wine-themed meal or take the opportunity to expand your knowledge on wine characteristics and blending. See website for complete schedule of events. $65-$150 per event. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4146. balboabayresort.com

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Days and Memorial Sunday Fireworks
May 28-30. Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with family and friends at Knott’s Berry Farm. All active, veteran and retired US Military personnel will be honored and celebrated with complimentary admission. Up to six tickets may be purchased for family and friends at a discounted rate. End your day of fun with a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the night sky on Sunday at 9:45 p.m. F-Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com

Laguna Hills Memorial Day RunMay 30. Celebrate Memorial Day with the City of Laguna Hills 18th annual Memorial Day run, honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to come out and enjoy the Memorial Day festivities. After the race enjoy food from local food trucks, a beer garden and DJ tunes. 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register online. El Toro Road & I-5 Freeway, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, 949.975.8506. lagunahillshalfmarathon.com

Scottish Fest USAMay 28-29. Experience Southern California’s largest Scottish and Celtic festival where you can indulge your senses to the sounds of bagpipes and drums, the flavors and smells of authentic Celtic foods and the sights of traditional kilts, dancing competitions and more. Take the opportunity this Memorial Day weekend to honor and give thanks to the men and women of the military with a memorial service on Sunday morning. All ages welcome. See website for schedule of events. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Order tickets online. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. scottishfest.com